Tributes to Hugh Boyle

Tributes have been paid to Hugh Boyle, a member of the 1967 Ryder Cup team, who has died at the age of 79 following a long-term illness. 

The Irishman turned professional in 1952 and enjoyed travelling the world, becoming the first Brit to win an event in Japan when he lifted the 1966 Yomiuri International Open.

He also finished seventh in The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club that year but his finest season came the following year when he won the Irish PGA Championship, one of five victories during the 1967 campaign. 

Those victories helped him secured a place in the Great Britain & Ireland Ryder Cup team which was defeated 23½-8½ by a strong United States team that included Julius Boros, Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer, Doug Sanders and Gene Littler. Boyle twice faced the legendary Palmer in the pairs, before facing the formidable Gay Brewer, the reigning Masters Champion, in the singles. 

He also represented Ireland in the World Cup in 1967, partnering Christy O'Connor Snr in Mexico City. 

In 1983, Boyle became the club professional at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, a position he held for nearly 20 years, and he was still an active member of the club until two years ago when he was diagnosed with dementia. 

Neil Coles, the former Chairman of The European Tour and a teammate of Boyle's on the 1967 Ryder Cup team, today led the tributes to him. 

"Hugh and I were both assistant professionals at Coombe Hill under Dick Burton and he went on to be a very good player and tournament winner," said Coles. "He was probably at the height of his powers in 1967 when he made the Ryder Cup team and was a little unlucky in that he came up against Arnold twice and Gay Brewer, who was the Masters Champion of that year. 

"It is always a sad occasion when you lose a teammate and a friend and our sympathies go to his wife, Rosalind, and his family."